Nigeria‑U.S. diplomatic talks said to be bearing fruit, but concerns over Christian attacks persist

The Federal Government said on Wednesday that ongoing diplomatic engagements with the United States were producing positive results and easing tensions between the two countries. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told Sky News that communication channels had been opened and that the U.S. was “now appreciating the situation better.” He added that intelligence had linked a proscribed separatist group in Nigeria to U.S.-based lobbyists who were allegedly spreading misleading narratives about the country.

At the same time, U.S. Congressman Bill Huizenga expressed disappointment with Nigeria’s handling of attacks on Christians and called for targeted economic sanctions rather than military intervention. Huizenga, a sponsor of a resolution that would designate Nigeria a “country of particular concern,” warned that the violence risked repeating the tragedies of Rwanda and South Sudan. He said sanctions could cut off financing for the perpetrators and urged Nigeria to demonstrate a genuine effort to protect all its citizens.

Religious leaders also weighed in. Archbishop Fortunatus Nwachukwu of the Vatican’s Dicastery for Evangelisation warned that Nigeria’s insecurity was “self‑inflicted,” urging Nigerians to view their diversity as strength rather than a source of conflict. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 northern states and the Federal Capital Territory called for dialogue, saying Trump’s comments should be taken as an opportunity for constructive conversation. The pan‑Yoruba group Afenifere echoed that sentiment, arguing that a “war approach” to terrorism was misguided and that a combination of intelligence, limited airstrikes and dialogue would be more effective.

President Bola Tinubu met behind closed doors with Army Chief Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who said after the meeting that security operations were showing encouraging progress and that Nigerians could expect improved safety in the coming weeks. The government also highlighted recent Nigerian Air Force strikes that neutralised hundreds of terrorists in Borno, Katsina and Kwara states.

Overall, officials stressed that while there are serious security challenges, Nigeria’s long‑standing partnership with the United States remains a key pillar in addressing the crisis, and that a combination of diplomatic pressure, targeted sanctions and domestic dialogue offers the best path forward.